Here are the Top 3 Things Every Professional should know... and the 'Solutions' to help them if they want to learn more.1. There are only 4 decisions to make with tasks and mail

Applying the 'One-Touch' rule can easily cut down on clutter as it's a fact that clutter is merely 'Postponed Decisions'.

Try this: Look at each task in front of you, one-by-one, and make a decision:Delete It: If you don't need to do it, don't! As with all 'stuff', ask yourself if it has true value.Delegate It: Be clear about deadlines and expectations. Use delegation tools and track actions.Defer It: Create a 'Deferred List' and review often. If it has a deadline schedule it in.Do It: If you can do it in less than 5 min's, do it now. Imagine the immediate satisfaction!

I have seen some stressed out professionals scrambling on last minute deadlines, putting out fires and struggling with no clear priorities set. Spinning wheels on the 80% of tasks that contain little or no value can eat up one's energy pretty fast.

The simple act of prioritizing tasks on only two criteria, 'Value' and 'Deadline', can help end this vicious cycle. The concept of the 'Time Matrix' can help save the day and give you an 'at-a-glance' look at what the top priorities and deadlines are. Stay focused and get more 'valued' tasks done and be more effective just by using this tool. 3. Over 200 hours a year are lost by the average business owner

Disorganization in the workplace costs on average over $3600.00 per employee in lost wages per year as employees and business owners lose time looking for things.

Average losses are estimated at 1 hour per day. Times that by 5 days a week, for 48 working weeks, at a starting salary of $15/hour and you'll see for yourself how much disorganization can cost a business.

It can get worse when you consider a few other factors, starting with sick time and illness due to stress, lost customers that lose faith in the company, poor productivity from overlapping tasks, purchasing things you already own, forgotten invoicing and last minute 'overtime' created by poor planning. The costs here can be enormous depending on the nature of the business.

Some signs that a change may be due are:· Desk cluttered with files and equipment. · Procrastination. It's either the fear of failure or simple indecision. · Being reactive instead of proactive.

Need help organizing? Michelle serves the Carleton Place, Lanark County and Ottawa areas.

Jennifer

8/19/2012 03:03:35 pm

Thanks for the valuable information. I like the articles on productivity the most. Jen

Cherry

3/20/2014 07:59:04 am

Back again to your blog to find this post today. Thanks for the gifts and helpful links. I checked out the decluttering program and will try it out. Any tips going in?